Plasmonic nanocavity containing a dye molecule
A multi-disciplinary group of researchers, including chemists at the Melville Laboratory led by Professor Oren Scherman, have successfully used quantum states to mix molecules with light at room temperature.
The process, which is reported in a research letter to Nature, will aid in the exploration of quantum technologies and suggests new opportunities in photocatalysis.
Professor Oren Scherman explains, "From a chemistry perspective, what’s very exciting is that we might actually be able to induce, watch and control reactions with light on a molecular level." The opportunity to have light control or catalysed chemistry of small molecules in a confined space at both room temperature and in mild conditions opens up new opportunities in sensing and photocatalysis, something that previously could only be done under extreme conditions. Having the ability to explore new chemistry in ambient conditions could be of great importance for sustainable and renewable energy production."
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